The Provenance Chain™ Network’s Post

This article nicely summarizes the struggles that the space industry has been facing, especially regarding supply chain issues and end-customer demands. It provides an insightful overview, pointing out many surface-level challenges and serving as an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the sector. I've primarily focused on transitioning from "a few large, complex satellites" to "larger quantities of smaller, cheaper spacecraft." Of course, this transition for companies hasn’t been easy; it has exposed some systemic weaknesses within the industry. The traditional companies, steeped in older methodologies, often struggle more with this transition compared to newer companies that were designed to operate under these evolving paradigms. Yet, both face significant hurdles. The industry’s pursuit of contracts that emphasize "speed and technical maturity" are at odds with the “new space” mentality of producing more affordable spacecraft. Achieving technical maturity is not easy when a critical benchmark is successful spaceflight. That doesn’t happen without significant investment, and you don’t move fast without making mistakes. So then, how do you make cheaper spacecraft? These dynamics suggest that finding ways to efficiently produce cost-effective spacecraft without compromising on speed or technical prowess remains the 'holy grail' of our industry. The journey toward this goal continues to be as challenging as it is fascinating, and I am personally thrilled to be a part of this wild ride!

The future of space logistics is rapidly evolving, with new advancements shaping supply chains beyond our planet. As companies like Greenwood Aerospace explore innovative strategies, the focus on efficient transport, delivery, and sustainability will be key. Understanding these developments will help businesses stay competitive in the emerging space economy. To learn more about what's next for space logistics, check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/gsfrpegS #Aerospace #Aerospaceindustry #AerospaceDefense #Governmentprocurement #Procurement #Governmentcontracting #Militarycontracting #Greenwoodgroup #Greenwoodaerospace

Incredible article by Charles Beames, with some hard truths about today’s space industry. Here’s the main takeaways: 1️⃣ Commercial #space companies (the new kids in the block) are driving efficiency with fixed-price contracts, while traditional #defence primes struggle with outdated, costly practices. 2️⃣ Resilient supply chains are non-negotiable. Companies must manage risk, diversify suppliers, and adapt quickly to shifting demands with governments stepping in for support. 3️⃣ The shift to #LEO constellations is essential, not just for national security, but for the survival of space businesses. My take? The space industry will have to embrace innovation, streamline practices, and prioritise collaboration between commercial and #government sectors to thrive in this contested domain.

Pentagon underestimated Supply Chain Fragility and now racing to fix! The Pentagon has recognized that supply chain challenges disrupting military satellite programs are not merely temporary issues linked to the COVID-19 pandemic but are indicative of deeper, systemic vulnerabilities within the U.S. defense industrial base. Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, head of Space Systems Command, noted that the transition from traditional bespoke satellite programs to proliferated commercial-like constellations has significantly increased the demand for components, revealing critical industrial base concerns. The Space Development Agency (SDA) has encountered difficulties in scaling up production to meet the needs of its low Earth orbit constellation project. In response, SDA Director Derek Tournear stated that the agency is directly engaging with lower-tier suppliers and offering contracts to incentivize enhanced production capabilities. These supply chain issues extend beyond satellite programs, affecting sectors such as munitions and microelectronics. A significant challenge is the Pentagon's limited oversight of its extensive and fragmented supply chain, particularly at the lower-tier subcontractor level, leading to production delays. Additionally, there is growing concern over foreign dependencies, especially on China, for critical materials like rare earth elements, lithium, and graphite. Frank Finelli, a senior advisor at the Carlyle Group, highlighted that China's global agreements have secured supplies of these materials, placing the U.S. at a strategic disadvantage. To address these vulnerabilities, the Pentagon has initiated efforts such as the establishment of the Office of Strategic Capital, which provides loans to companies producing essential components. However, these initiatives are in the early stages and face challenges, including political disagreements over the government's role in industrial policy. Achieving a more self-reliant domestic supply chain, as outlined in the Pentagon's industrial base strategy, will require sustained funding, bipartisan support, and collaboration with allies and private industry. In summary, the Pentagon is actively working to mitigate systemic supply chain fragilities that have been exposed in recent years, aiming to strengthen the resilience and reliability of the U.S. defense industrial base. Proud to help lead this effort with Project Spectrum! https://lnkd.in/ehVBDZWt

What threats do global powers like China and Russia pose in space? What are the military's future ambitions in space operations? How does the U.S. envision its role in the competitive space environment? The GovExec Space Project delves into these critical questions in “Space Market Dynamics and Emerging Trends.” Watch on-demand now! https://hubs.li/Q02xCn4z0 #GovExecSpaceProject #SpaceProject #space #trends #emergingtech #spacemarket

The Commercial Space Integration Strategy seeks to ensure commercial solutions are available when and where needed, in peacetime and during conflicts.

Strengthening Space Force Systems through Early Resilience Measures. The Space Systems Command's (SSC) Space Systems Integration Office is actively working to boost the resilience of Space Force systems. Under the leadership of Claire Leon, who also chairs the Enterprise Resilience Board, there is a strong focus on preemptive measures in system development. Leon stressed, "The board’s job is to work with program teams to ensure that protective capabilities are included as part of a program’s initial requirements." By incorporating these protective measures during the initial stages and competitive bidding phase, the approach ensures that systems are equipped from the start to handle potential threats from the outset. 

Understanding the critical role of logistics in successful space missions is essential for efficient exploration beyond our planet. This article explores key strategies, from supply chain optimization to resource management, that ensure mission success. https://lnkd.in/gy6reanP #Aerospace #Aerospaceindustry #AerospaceDefense #Governmentprocurement #Procurement #Governmentcontracting #Militarycontracting #Greenwoodgroup #Greenwoodaerospace

🌌 Shaping a Resilient & Secure Future for European Space! 🚀 At the #17th #European #Space #Conference, Antwerp Space an OHB SE Group Company underlined the importance of #resilience, #cybersecurity, #secure #navigation, and #encrypted #communications in safeguarding Europe’s space infrastructure. By leveraging our expertise, we drive #nnovation to enable autonomous access to space, protect critical satellite systems, and build the key pillars of Europe’s space sovereignty. 🔒 Together, we’re shaping a safer, more resilient, and secure space ecosystem—one mission at a time. Let’s collaborate to build the future of European space innovation. #AntwerpSpace #OHB #SpaceResilience #Cybersecurity #SecureNavigation #SpaceInnovation https://lnkd.in/d2s3DEu